O’Melveny announced Wednesday that it has lured energy transactions partner David Aaronson from Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe in Houston, where he has worked since 2022.
Aaronson is a 15-year veteran of energy transactions, specializing primarily in the upstream and midstream oil and gas sectors, advising owners and operators, corporations, and investors — including private equity funds and major bank and insurance investors.
Aaronson’s arrival accelerates the firm’s expansion in Texas. Since 2021, O’Melveny has added nearly 80 lawyers—including 27 partners—across its Houston, Dallas, and Austin offices. In July, O’Melveny landed Denise Scofield, then head of the litigation practice in Houston at Winston & Strawn.
“We are delighted to welcome David to O’Melveny and to our energy team” said O’Melveny chair Bradley Butwin, announcing the lateral hire. “He is a gifted and agile lawyer with impressive credentials and a proven track record of success. David’s vast skillset supporting private equity-backed energy companies — and his unique experience with oil and gas securitizations — will be an immediate asset to our clients. It is a pleasure to welcome him to our growing roster of all-star lawyers in Texas.”
“I’m excited by this incredible opportunity to join O’Melveny’s world-class group of energy lawyers,” said Aaronson. “O’Melveny is planting deep roots in the oil patch and is renowned for its global platform, client-first mindset, and culture of collaboration. I’m thrilled to help expand the firm’s presence in Houston and to work alongside such a talented team.”
Aaronson earned his J.D., with honors, from the University of Texas at Austin in 2010, and served as notes editor of the Texas International Law Journal and the Texas Journal of Oil, Gas, and Energy Law. He earned his B.A. cum laude from Texas A&M University. He is a former Fellow of the Houston Young Lawyers Foundation.
After law school, he spent more than four years as an associate at Morgan, Lewis & Brockius before joining Willkie Farr & Gallagher in 2015, where he made partner in 2020. He joined Orrick in May 2022.
With Aaronson’s arrival, 24 lateral partners have joined the firm since 2023, including 15 corporate partners based in the firm’s Houston, Singapore, London, New York, Los Angeles, and Century City offices.